Makeover of the Week: Designer Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo Turns a Boring Guest Bedroom Into a Welcoming Retreat

By
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen has been a contributor at MyDomaine since 2019. She also writes for Brides, Today.com, Business Insider, and HGTV. Previously, Colleen worked on staff at Vogue, Working Woman, McCall’s, Health, and HGTV Magazine, and was a contributor for Brit + Co and MIMIchatter.
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Updated on Nov 08, 2019
bedroom

Tim Williams Photography

The 150-square-foot guest room in this New York City condo needed some new life. “It was filled with mismatched and dated furniture that left the room looking plain and unwelcoming,” says Blumenfeld. “Yet it had an amazing view!”

Meet the Expert

Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo, the owner of Laurie Blumenfeld Design in Brooklyn, New York, is an interior designer known for mixing and layering textures, colors, and patterns in small spaces.  

Before:

bedroom before
Courtesy of Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo

“The design challenge was to create an oasis which spoke to the multicultural lineage of the couple’s families—his is Danish, hers Indian,” notes Blumenfeld.

After:

bedroom after
Tim Williams Photography

“My vision was to craft a cozy and relaxed aesthetic, a space modern enough to please the Dane, and glam enough to speak to the Indian side of the family.”

What Changed:

  • Color theme: The base palette’s mix of neutrals—blush, dark grey, rose gold, white, and warm wood tones—are infused with soft and calming shades of lilac and apricot.
  • Walls: The wallpaper’s willow tree has metallic branches that glimmer in the sunlight.
  • Floor: A solid grey 8’x10’ wool rug has a touch of shimmer to play off the wallpaper, while the oak wood is stained in a golden hue to lighten up the space.
  • Lighting: The Swedish-inspired bubble lamps have a modern aesthetic and give off a soft ambient light.
  • Bed: The dark grey queen-sized headboard is upholstered in a basket weave linen/cotton mix; the apricot and gray pillows add a pop of color against the lavender coverlet and cream sheets.
  • End tables: Light colored 30” oak wood nightstands add a natural element to the room. 
  • Window treatments: Roller shades are tucked under the wall trim so the view of Manhattan is left unobstructed, allowing light to stream in all day.
  • Cabinets: Seven under window storage cabinets were painted in the same color as the walls to disappear into the architecture.
  • Plants: Woven baskets filled with succulents, Dogwood tree clippings, and freshly cut greens provide a unique way to hold and display plantings.

Shop the Look:

wallpaper
Calico Harvest Wallpaper $25.00
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lamp
Nelson Ball Pendant Lamp $395.00
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headboard
West Elm Simple Upholstered Headboard $349.00
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silver coverlet
Pier1 Essex Silver Quilt & Sham $35.00
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rug
West Elm Glimmer Rug $499.00
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nightstand
Lawson-Fenning Stacked Box Nightstand with Brass Inset $2,150.00
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linen pillow cover
H&M Home Washed Linen Cushion Cover $18.00
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velvet pillow
Aviva Stanoff Velvet Pillow $75.00
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